Eagle Feathers Illegally Sold

Feathers from protected bird are a coveted item in many parts of the world.  While Animal Investigators details a case of feathered body costumes of Brazil’s Amazon Indians, feathered artifacts from Native Americans in the United States are equally as coveted.  In March 2009, four men were arrested by federal fish and wildlife agents after an investigation into the killing and trafficking of parts of eagles and other protected birds.  The men were from New Mexico and Washington state, and indicted in Oregon.  They sold several items with eagle feathers, including two fans with feathers from juvenile golden eagles, to an undercover agent.  Native Americans view eagles and other protected birds as sacred and use the feathers for religious purposes.  Members of federally recognized tribes can get permits to possess eagle parts for religious purposes.  However, they are prohibited from selling them.

For more information, see: http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/news-30/1238200157282980.xml&storylist=orlocal